About This Episode

Have you ever wondered why some Christians seem to experience breakthrough after breakthrough while others remain spiritually stagnant? The difference isn't talent, intelligence, or even circumstances—it's persistence.

In this powerful message, Pastor Greg challenges the passive approach many believers take toward their faith. While salvation is a free gift of grace, experiencing the abundant life Jesus promised requires something more: the lost art of persistence.

What You'll Discover

The Persistence Principle You are where you are because of what you've persisted in. Calvin Coolidge said it best: "Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent." Your spiritual growth follows the same principle.

Paul's Pattern (Philippians 3:10-14) The Apostle Paul uses powerful language throughout this passage: "I want to know... I want to experience... I want to suffer... I press on... I focus... I look forward." This is the vocabulary of someone who refuses to be passive about their relationship with God.

The Five Non-Negotiables Pastor Greg outlines five essential disciplines for spiritual growth:

1. Church - When it's Sunday, it's church (unless you're dead or out of the country)
2. Bible - Daily reading that allows God's Word to read YOU
3. Prayer - Consistent communion with God
4. Giving - Understanding that all ten-tenths belong to God, not just one
5. Accountability - Relationships with people who will call you out because they love you

Persistence in Forgiveness Why does Jesus start teaching about growing faith with the topic of offense and forgiveness? Because you cannot effectively minister to people without learning to quickly forgive and release offense. The "mulberry tree" principle from Luke 17 shows that with faith as small as a mustard seed, you can command the roots of bitterness out of your life before they destroy your effectiveness.

Key Scriptures

• Philippians 3:10-14
• 2 Peter 3:18
• Luke 13:24
• Luke 17:3-6
• 1 Corinthians 9:27

Practical Application

Three Questions for Bible Reading:

1. What does this tell me about God?
2. What does this tell me about me?
3. What does God expect me to do in response?

The Challenge: When was the last time you stretched yourself for something GOD wants—not what you want? Too many prayers are filled with "Oh Lord, I need..." while God waits with revelation and anointing to pour into your life.

Who This Episode Is For

• Believers who feel stuck in their spiritual growth
• Christians who wonder why they're not experiencing the abundant life Jesus promised
• Anyone struggling with offense, hurt, or relational challenges in ministry
• Leaders and disciples who want to understand the difference between salvation by grace and kingdom living by faith
• Those ready to move from passive Christianity to active pursuit of God

Special Announcement

Guest speaker Grant Crawford will be visiting for a special weekend of ministry, including Thursday night equipping for the whole church.

Remember: The abundant, rich, and satisfying life Jesus came to give cannot come to those who are passive. God has been waiting with revelation and anointing to speak into your life—but it's going to take a decision and persistence.